Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology in Clinical Practice (USW)
Validated by University of South Wales
In an era where the demand for specialised healthcare is rapidly growing, the need for skilled healthcare professionals in dermatology has become more important. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology is designed to meet this increasing demand. This comprehensive programme empowers you to address the complex challenges of skin health and disease management, ensuring you stand out as a trusted expert in the field. Through a comprehensive and flexible online learning platform, it offers an opportunity for you to specialise in dermatology, enhancing your ability to respond to a wide range of dermatological needs in various healthcare settings.
Increasing your knowledge in dermatology through our dermatology courses can add significant value to your patients, especially given the social stigmas surrounding skin disease. Our online diploma in dermatology is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions. Our flexible, part-time dermatology online courses are run in conjunction with The University of South Wales (USW).
A modern, industry-focused University, rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020. Also rated top 10 in the UK, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022 for Health Studies. Our high-quality and reasonably priced dermatology online courses are very well reputed programmes, led and taught by experts in their field.
Our diploma in dermatology has been approved by the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (RCP), enabling graduates of this programme to receive CPD points as accredited by the RCP.
Next intake: September 2025Key Facts
Our online dermatology diploma satisfies the growing international demand for dermatology courses. Having specialist knowledge in dermatology is an increasingly important asset for medical personnel. Our dermatology diploma is online, part-time, and is designed to help healthcare professionals specialise in their career and aid the need for more dermatology professionals.
We offer quick-to-complete part-time programmes that fast-track career progression for our students, plus our dermatology courses provide an opportunity to learn with our worldwide healthcare professional community. With no international surcharge and interest-free payment plans, we are making education accessible to everyone.
On completion of this online dermatology course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients with dermatological conditions.
- Critically evaluate current research in practical dermatology.
- Deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with dermatological conditions.
- Critically appraise current and potential practical dermatological treatments for use in a variety of population groups.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Prof Christian Aldridge BSc (Hons), MBChB, MRCP
Current post: Consultant Dermatologist, Prince Charles and Royal Glamorgan Hospitals
- Consultant Dermatologist
- Chair of the All Wales Skin Cancer Network
- Teledermatology Lead at...
Tutor
Dr Cecilia Grossmith
Dr Cecilia Grossmith first became interested in dermatology in 2001, having been a GP for many years and finding skin complaints a major part of general practice....
Tutor
Dr Michael Boffa
As Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Michael Boffa's regular duties include outpatient clinics in General & Paediatric Dermatology, Urgent referrals, Skin Surgery and Laser sessions, supervision of the nurse-led...
Tutor
Dr Deepa M.L Hemnani
Dr Deepa M.L Hemnani is a Dermatologist working in the capacity of Assistant professor with "Dow University of Health Sciences" Karachi, Pakistan, which is a renowned...
Tutor
Dr Thomas King
Dr Thomas King is a Consultant Dermatologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
With a passion for dermatology, medical dermatology and medical education, Dr King has a master’s degree...
Validating partner
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Accreditors and Endorsers
UEMS - European Union of Medical Specialists
This postgraduate course has also been accredited by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Royal College of Physicians
This programme of study provided by Learna is approved for CPD purposes by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK. The credits awarded are 48 external credits for the learning in the diploma section and a further 20 for the learning in the MSc section.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Next intake: September 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Prof Christian Aldridge BSc (Hons), MBChB, MRCP
Current post: Consultant Dermatologist, Prince Charles and Royal Glamorgan Hospitals
- Consultant Dermatologist
- Chair of the All Wales Skin Cancer Network
- Teledermatology Lead at Prince Charles Hospital
- Honorary Visiting Consultant for Gibraltar Health Authority
- Cardiff Medical School Examiner
- Melanoma UK Dermatology Advisor
Prof Aldridge’s main interests are skin cancer, mole surveillance and skin cancer surgery. He has published in this field and remains committed towards early diagnosis and prompt intervention in the management of skin cancer.
Tutor
Dr Cecilia Grossmith
Dr Cecilia Grossmith first became interested in dermatology in 2001, having been a GP for many years and finding skin complaints a major part of general practice. After completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Dermatology in 2002, Dr Grossmith started as a clinical assistant and GPwSI. After several years of experience, she was regraded to associate specialist. Most of Dr Grossmith's work is in secondary care largely skin cancer diagnostics and treatment, but she also has a GPwSI role in Community Dermatology which provides more variety of patients and conditions.
Tutor
Dr Michael Boffa
As Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Michael Boffa's regular duties include outpatient clinics in General & Paediatric Dermatology, Urgent referrals, Skin Surgery and Laser sessions, supervision of the nurse-led Leg Ulcer, Phototherapy and Patch Test services, care of inpatients admitted to the Dermatology Ward, ward consultations at Mater Dei and other hospitals and supervision of non-consultant colleagues and trainees, as necessary. Since 1997, he has run a once-monthly General Dermatology clinic at Gozo General Hospital, and works as Consultant Dermatologist in private practice.
Dr Boffa's interests lie in all aspects of Clinical Dermatology including systemic treatments, particularly methotrexate, for severe psoriasis, cutaneous oncology and laser treatment of dermatological conditions. On being appointed Consultant Dermatologist with the Health Department in Malta, he worked to introduce pulsed dye laser as a new service in the health service. In 2001, Dr Boffa founded the Malta Eczema Society - a support group for eczema sufferers and their families and have campaigned to increase awareness throughout society about eczema and the problems it may cause. In the long-term, together with colleagues in his hospital department, he wishes to further improve the range and quality of services available for patients and develop clinical and research interests.
Tutor
Dr Deepa M.L Hemnani
Dr Deepa M.L Hemnani is a Dermatologist working in the capacity of Assistant professor with "Dow University of Health Sciences" Karachi, Pakistan, which is a renowned and well reputed medical university in Pakistan.
She is particularly interested in Clinical Dermatology, especially inflammatory conditions, advanced clinical therapies, Paediatric Dermatology and Dermatopathology.
As an Assistant Professor, Dr Hemnani has been involved in teaching responsibilities of undergraduate and dermatology residents, who are being trained in fellowship program with associated hospital. The main focus here is clinical dermatology in a government sector hospital including Civil Hospital Karachi, which is the largest tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Tutor
Dr Thomas King
Dr Thomas King is a Consultant Dermatologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
With a passion for dermatology, medical dermatology and medical education, Dr King has a master’s degree in medical education and his career aim is to develop his interest in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals as a consultant.
He currently teaches medical students from the University of Sheffield in tutorials, clinics and theatre.
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Why Study a Dermatology (The University of South Wales) Postgraduate Diploma with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
The diploma in dermatology is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions.
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
Our online Dermatology in Clinical Practice Postgraduate Diploma allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Module Aims
Critically analyse and evaluate dermatological conditions, referral pathways, imaging techniques, and management strategies, synthesising complex information to inform advanced clinical decision-making in diverse dermatological scenarios.
Module Content
- The language of dermatology
- Therapeutics
- Drug eruptions
- Vasculitis
- Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease
- Guidance, teledermatology and the multi-disciplinary team
Learning Outcomes
- Synthesise complex clinical information to resolve diagnostic challenges and formulate appropriate management strategies for systemic diseases, drug side effects, and vasculitides in dermatological contexts.
- Critically evaluate and optimise the use of healthcare resources, including multidisciplinary teams, referral pathways, and evidence-based guidance, to enhance patient outcomes in dermatological conditions.
Module Aims
Develop advanced skills in describing, diagnosing, and critically interpreting the management of skin lesions, integrating current guidelines and research to formulate comprehensive treatment strategies and risk assessments.
Module Content
- Skin lumps and bumps
- Benign skin lesions
- Non-melanoma skin cancer
- Melanocytic Naevi
- Melonoma
- Surgical Approach to Skin Disease
Learning Outcomes
- Apply advanced diagnostic skills to differentiate between a wide variety of skin lesions, including the critical distinction between benign and malignant presentations.
- Critically appraise and synthesise evidence relating to the management of skin lumps and bumps, integrating this knowledge to formulate appropriate referral and treatment strategies.
Module Aims
Synthesise in-depth knowledge of site-specific dermatoses to accurately identify, critically analyse, and design appropriate evidence-based management strategies, considering anatomical and physiological factors unique to different body areas.
Module Content
- Facial rashes
- Nails
- Scalp and hair
- Perineal dermatoses
- Flexural dermatoses
- Palmar and plantar dermatoses
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse and evaluate the predilection of common dermatoses at various body sites, applying this knowledge to solve complex diagnostic challenges related to regional dermatoses.
- Formulate and justify evidence-based management plans for site-specific dermatoses, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
Module Aims
Cultivate expertise in the critical assessment, accurate identification, and development of evidence-based management strategies for inflammatory dermatoses, integrating current research and emerging therapies into advanced clinical practice.
Module Content
- Differential diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses
- Atopic eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Urticaria
- Bullous eruptions
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse and interpret evidence relating to common inflammatory skin conditions, applying this knowledge to resolve complex diagnostic challenges.
- Design and defend evidence-based management plans for inflammatory dermatoses, showcasing advanced clinical judgment and application of current research.
Module Aims
Enhance ability to critically describe, diagnose, and evaluate the management of skin infections, applying and critiquing current guidelines to develop comprehensive treatment plans that consider patient-specific factors and potential complications.
Module Content
- Differential diagnosis of skin infections
- Cellulitis and ulceration
- Infestation
- Infection related to systemic illness
- Photodermatoses
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the evidence basis for the identification and management of skin infections, infestations, and photodermatoses, applying this knowledge to develop comprehensive differential diagnoses.
- Devise and justify appropriate management strategies and referral pathways for infections, infestations, and photodermatoses, demonstrating advanced clinical decision-making skills.
Module Aims
Develop advanced skills in identifying and critically analysing common skin disorders in diverse population subgroups, and evaluate and optimise specific treatment pathways, demonstrating cultural competence and personalised care approaches in complex dermatological cases.
Module Content
- Infant skin
- Acne and adolescent skin problems
- Pigmented skin
- Elderly skin
- Anti-aging
- Cosmetic treatments
Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyse the evidence basis for identifying and treating common skin disorders in diverse populations, applying this knowledge to construct and refine differential diagnoses for specific subgroups.
- Design and evaluate appropriate management strategies and referral pathways for individuals from various population subgroups, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and awareness in advanced clinical reasoning.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Entry requirements
Since our dermatology courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals or experienced managers working in the healthcare field, without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a min of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@learna.ac.uk for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
- Deposit for September 2025: £460 †
- Total Course Fees for UK & International Students for September 2025: £5,520 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Pay-in-full discount is available.
- Option 2: Apply for Interest-free payments each month for the duration of the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
| Deposit | 10 Monthly Payments | Final Payment |
| £460 † | £460 | £460 |
Total payments: £5,520
You may also be interested in:
- Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
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Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
